Change Internet Explorer Security settings

The Windows Internet Explorer Security tab is used to set and change options that can help protect your computer from potentially harmful or malicious online content.

How do I find the Internet Explorer Security settings?

Follow these steps:

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen (if you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen and move the mouse pointer down), and then tap or click Search. Enter Internet options in the search box, and then tap or click Settings.

In the search results, tap or click Internet Options.

Tap or click the Security tab.

What are the security zones?

Internet Explorer assigns all websites to one of four security zones: Internet, Local intranet, Trusted sites, or Restricted sites. The zone to which a website is assigned specifies the security settings that are used for that site.

The following table describes the four Internet Explorer security zones.

Zone

Description

Internet

All websites are assigned to this zone by default. The only websites this security setting isn't used for are those in the Local intranet, Trusted, or Restricted site zones. The security level for this zone is set to Medium High, but you can change it to either Medium or High.

Local intranet

Websites and other resources that are on your organization's network are assigned to this zone. The security level for this zone is set to Medium, but you can change it to any level.

Trusted sites

You can assign websites that you trust to this zone. The security level for this zone is set to Medium, but you can change it to any level.

Restricted sites

Websites that might damage files and your PC should be assigned to this zone. Adding sites to the Restricted zone doesn't block them, but it prevents them from using scripting or any active content (interactive or animated content on websites). The security level for Restricted sites is set to High and can't be changed.

Note

In addition to the default security levels, you can also customize individual security settings by clicking the Custom level button.

To add or remove a site from a security zone

You can help control the level of security used on a website by assigning it to a specific security zone. For example, if you have a list of sites that you visit regularly and completely trust, add those sites to the Trusted zone.